TCU NFL Draft Preview: Cordel Iwuagwu

Of all of TCU’s draftable prospects this weekend, offensive guard Cordel Iwuagwu is probably the hardest to project.

At 6’3” and 309 pounds, he might be a little under-sized for an NFL lineman, but he certainly has the tools to make up for it. Despite an injury history that saw him miss time as a freshman and junior, Iwuagwu proved he could perform at a high level when he was on the field, and has enough athleticism at the position and long enough arms to overcome his lack of ideal height.

Iwuagwu is a powerful blocker who struggled with the fundamentals, but has proven himself coachable enough to work through some of his footwork and pad-level issues. He has also looked to expand his repertoire along the offensive line, training at center this off-season, something he was hopeful to showcase to scouts before TCU’s Pro Day was cancelled amid Coronavirus concerns.

Of the late-round prospect, anaylst Dane Brugler of The Athletic said “he returned in 2019 and started every game as a senior, playing his best football and creating a soft buzz in scouting circles. Iwuagwu passes the eye test with his natural body mass and length, moving well when he keeps his feet beneath him. Overall, Iwuagwu has balance issues in pass protection and as a run blocker, but he explodes into contact and ties up defenders, projecting as an NFL reserve who has upside if medicals aren’t a concern.”

In addition to improving his skills on the field, Iwuagwu is a high-character guy off of it, a captain at TCU and a vocal leader who is always supporting his guys and challenging them to be their best. He’s a great rotational player who would be an exceptional back-up at the next level, the kind of player you can count on to work hard no matter how many snaps he is or isn’t getting. Plus, he’s played against some of the best defensive linemen in college football, including former teammates Ben Banogu and LJ Collier, both NFL players now, and Ross Blacklock, who is expected to be picked on Day Two of the Draft Friday evening.

Iwuagwu has drawn interest from the Bears, Packers, Seahawks, and Titans, all of whom have clear needs across the offensive line. He could hear his name called by any number of teams late in the sixth or in the seventh round, or would be a priority free agent at the conclusion of the draft process Saturday.

Expect to see Cordel in an NFL Camp... whenever NFL Camps resume.